Giles is honored to join the James River Park System as its fourth Superintendent.  A Richmond native, Giles has a deep appreciation for the layers of history, geography, and culture that make the city a dynamic place with the James River at its heart.  Previous to joining the City of Richmond, she was the director of Groundwork RVA, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging Richmond teens in the outdoors, and an adjunct faculty member at VCU where she co-taught “Uncovering Richmond” in the Urban Studies program.  Prior to that she directed Storefront for Community Design, working with JRPS to provide design work for various locations in the Park System.  In 2019 she came to the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities with a focus on expanding Workforce Development opportunities and as part of PRCF’s community engagement team. She received a BA in American Studies from Williams College and a Masters of Urban & Regional Planning from VCU.  Giles is dedicated to working with staff, partners, and young Richmonders to create Park landscapes and facilities that are welcoming and wild places for all to enjoy.  In her free time Giles loves exploring other cities, parks and trail systems, and raising two wonderful little boys with her spouse Evan.